Politics, RNC latest: 'Zero tolerance': ACTU suspends the CFMEU; Haley endorses Trump at RNC on Day 2

ACTU secretary Sally McManus says the CFMEU's construction division cannot return to the fold unless it cleans up its act, as the union's Queensland boss attacks Anthony Albanese for being 'gutless' by appointing administrators.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus. Picture: Liam Kidston

Welcome to The Australian's rolling coverage of news from Canberra, around the country and the US where the Republican National Convention continues for a second day.

Updates

7:30 pm July 17, 2024

'Weakest possible action' on union: Birmingham

Staff writers

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham says the government's announcement of its intention to have an external administrator appointed across the CFMEU's east coast branches is the "weakest possible action" it could take.

"Bob Hawke had the guts to deregister the BLF, Anthony Albanese is simply pursuing a process of putting an administration in place," Senator Birmingham said on ABC's Afternoon Briefing program on Wednesday.

Senator Birmingham said the Coalition would support measures "necessary to shut down and shut out the thugs in the CFMEU."

When asked about a potential Donald Trump presidency, Senator Birmingham said it was crucial for Australia that the US government was committed to the alliance.

"I have full confidence that Donald Trump would continue that, as he did in his first term, and would be really strong in terms of his support for the alliance if there is to be a second term," he said.

"Secondly, what we need to see is that they [the US government] are playing a strong leading role in the world, uniting democratic nations where possible to stand against autocracies and be very strong in that regard."

Senator Birmingham said it was crucial that democratic nations engaged with whoever was in power in the US to "advocate for an approach that ensures Russian and Putin do not prevail" and continues to support Ukraine.

"How that conflict is resolved and how democratic nations stand against it will be interpreted by other autocracies and will frame many of the years to come and be crucial," he said.

"I welcome the fact that Ambassador Kevin Rudd is at the Republican National Convention, is meeting with officials there, and it is crucial that he ensures Australia is in the strongest position possible if there is to be another Trump administration."

— Lily McCaffrey

6:43 pm July 17, 2024

Australia must 'recommit to pursuing justice' over downing of MH17

Staff writers

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham says it is important Australia redoubles its resolve and recommits to pursuing justice, on the 10th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17.

"Tragically, the events of ten years ago have only seen a terrible situation get even worse, when we look at the way Russia conducts itself in the world, the deaths of hundreds have turned into the deaths of tens of thousands from Putin's actions," Senator Birmingham said on ABC's Afternoon Briefing program on Wednesday.

Senator Birmingham said this required a resolve from all democracies and all nations to "hold Russia to account, to not let them prevail in Ukraine, to ensure that… separate legal avenues continue to be pursued, such that one day we might see true justice and accountability served."

When asked if he would support Russia's diplomatic presence in Canberra, which progressively wind up as diplomatic visas expire, Senator Birmingham said Australia should have "the minimal contact necessary to be able to maintain absolutely critical engagement where possible."

Senator Birmingham said there was a balance between expelling diplomats and maintaining essential lines of communication.

"How that balance is achieved is one for the government to justify," he said.

– Lily McCaffrey

5:07 pm July 17, 2024

Concerns CFMEU administor won't provide 'appropriate scrutiny'

Staff writers

The Business Council of Australia says the government's announcement of its intention to have an external administrator appointed across the CFMEU's east coast branches fails to "provide the transparency and public accountability required to properly stamp out the allegations of systemic corruption, criminal conduct and unlawful industrial behaviour by the CFMEU."

Business Council of Australia's chief executive Bran Black called on the federal government to launch a "a public and transparent judicial investigation" into the allegations.

“An administrator may deal with some of the issues ventilated in the media in relation to the CFMEU’s internal operations, and that’s a good thing, however, we’re concerned an administrator won’t facilitate the appropriate level of scrutiny by making public findings and recommendations, which would help ensure we stamp out for good the culture that allegedly allowed criminal and corrupt conduct to flourish," Mr Black said.

“Why shouldn’t union officials be investigated and front a public inquiry when we’re talking about alleged unethical and corrupt criminal activity?”

Mr Black said the Business Council of Australia was calling for:
– an independent federal judicial inquiry which could compel witnesses and documents;
– a review of government-based procurement practices for infrastructure projects across all states and territories to determine whether these practices played a role in enabling the alleged behaviour;
– the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and
– all options to remain on the table, including deregistration, subject to an independent investigation.

– Lily McCaffrey

4:57 pm July 17, 2024

CFMEU deregistration needs to be on the table: McKellar

Staff writers

Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Andrew McKellar says the government's announcement of its intention to have an external administrator appointed across the CFMEU's east coast branches is an "appropriate step" but says it "doesn't go far enough" and that deregistration should also be on the table.

"Ensuring that there are no barriers to the [Fair Work] commission taking that action, then I think that is something that is a step in the right direction," Mr McKellar said on ABC's Afternoon Briefing program on Wednesday.

"Equally working closely with the federal police commissioner to ensure that they are coordinating with the relevant agencies in the different states and territories, all that is good but we would say it doesn't go far enough.

"Deregistration does need to be on the table and the government doesn't seem to be embracing that at the moment."

Mr McKellar said while external administration and deregistration should be pursued as a starting point, more steps would be required to restore public confidence, including a "high-level independent inquiry, probably at a judiciary level, probably with the powers of a royal commission."

"We've got to see those who have broken the law being held to account," Mr McKellar said.

"That's the only way that the public can have any confidence this is under control."

– Lily McCaffrey

4:01 pm July 17, 2024

McManus rejects waste of taxpayer funds claim

Jack Quail

ACTU secretary Sally McManus has hit back at accusations by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that alleged criminal activity inside the CFMEU has resulted in what could be one of the greatest wastes of taxpayer funds in Australia’s history.

“I think he just needs to look at JobKeeper, for example,” Ms McManus told reporters.

“I could start listing the rest of it, but people in glass houses do not defend big business."

The ACTU secretary then turned the tables on construction bosses, demanding they also take action.

“The other thing that needs to be said here is that the construction industry is an industry … made up of employers, clearly, who are responsible for the people they hire and the people they deal with.

“You can see what the trade union movement is doing. You can see what the federal government's doing in terms of the trade union movement and what we are all doing and prepared to stand up to.

“What are they doing?”

3:54 pm July 17, 2024

O'Brien dismisses concerns about Coalition's nuclear plan

Staff writers

Opposition climate change and energy spokesperson Ted O'Brien has dismissed concerns about the Coalition's nuclear energy plan, following Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen's criticism of the plan in his National Press Club speech on Wednesday.

"Whether it be Anthony Albanese, Chris Bowen and some other people who are suggesting that zero emissions nuclear energy can't work alongside renewables, they are at odds with the rest of the world," Mr O'Brien told Sky News.

"I don't know what it is they know, that the rest of the world seems to not know."

Mr O'Brien said there would be "no water taken from the consumptive pool" and "no threat to agriculture", despite the government warning nuclear energy would take away water resources.

"We have deliberately chosen seven locations across the country, former or existing coal sites, coal plants, that have been using water, that have water licences in place," he said.

"As for the amount of water… it depends on the cooling system.

"There will be a full characterisation assessment, so the technical feasibility, shall be done within a two-and-a-half year period at each of these locations and we'll be having the experts making the determination of the specific cooling technology."

Asked when the Coalition would release its costings for its nuclear plan, Mr O'Brien did not provide a date but said: "We have been very clear in saying that once we have released our gas policy and renewables policy, we will then release the economics of our energy plan.

"They [Labor] made no such commitment of being transparent with their costings, we have, despite the fact we're in opposition," he said.

– Lily McCaffrey

3:35 pm July 17, 2024 Highlight

ACTU suspends CFMEU from its own membership

Jack Quail

The ACTU has suspended the CFMEU from its own membership.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus said the CFMEU, which is facing allegations of widespread criminal conduct that includes links to organised crime, would not be able to return to the fold unless it cleaned up its act.

“We've resolved to suspend the construction and general division of the CFMEU from the ACTU until they are in a position to demonstrate to us that they are, that they are a well-functioning, clean union, free of any criminal elements,” she told reporters at the ACTU’s headquarters in Melbourne on Wednesday.

After the Albanese government announced steps to appoint external administrators across the CFMEU’s east coast operations, Ms McManus also urged the union’s leadership to support the measure.

“This is the very best way building workers can get to a situation where we can be confident that their union is free of criminal elements and free of any corruption,” Ms McManus said. 'This is a necessary step.”

Despite Ms McManus’ pleas, CFMEU leaders have already voiced their disdain with the Albanese government’s intervention. Queensland secretary Michael Ravbar accused Anthony Albanese of being “wilfully ignorant” and having “soiled himself” over unproven allegations in the media.

Ms McManus said the ACTU had a “zero tolerance” for corruption, criminal activities, and violence.

“We will stand against it. We'll root it out. We will continue to do what is necessary to rid our movement of any elements like that.”

Ms McManus said the allegations of criminal conduct concerned a “very small section of people within one small section of our union".

3:27 pm July 17, 2024

Miles welcomes administrator for CFMEU Queensland

Staff writers

Queensland Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland Premier Steven Miles says he welcomes the federal government's announcement to appoint an administrator to the CFMEU's Queensland branch.

"The allegations that have been raised about the CFMEU, especially in Victoria and NSW, are extremely serious. We've seen today the Australian government take those allegations very seriously," Mr Miles said.

"They have announced unprecedented action to begin the process of appointing an administrator to the CFMEU.

"We welcome the inclusion of Queensland in the possible application of that administration process, we welcome it not being limited to just NSW and Victoria.

"That will allow the concerns and complaints and grievances that have been aired here in Queensland to be properly considered and, if appropriate, action can be taken by that administrator."

– Lily McCaffrey

2:53 pm July 17, 2024 Highlight

CFMEU's Ravbar attacks Albanese as 'gutless'

Sarah Elks

CFMEU Queensland boss Michael Ravbar. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland CFMEU boss Michael Ravbar has launched an extraordinary attack on Anthony Albanese, calling him “gutless” and accusing him of “soiling himself” for appointing administrators to the union.

Mr Ravbar, a former national executive member of the ALP, said the Prime Minister was reacting to unproven media reports and had “opened the gates of hell for tens of thousands of workers”.

Mr Ravbar, CFMEU Queensland and Northern Territory secretary, said he would defend the integrity of the union every day of the week.

“If Albanese or any other politician want to properly investigate criminality, they should start at the top, not the bottom,” Mr Ravbar said.

“The CFMEU has repeatedly stated it will co-operate with any criminal investigation, as we know the real crooks in this industry are the civil contractors and their cronies.

“The sad reality is that it’s the major civil companies that have brought the unsavoury elements on government-funded projects, and yet Albanese knows that a thorough investigation will put Labor governments in a world of pain. Albanese is selective about his interest in criminal associations and willingly ignorant about our industry.

“Albanese has panicked and soiled himself over some unproven allegations in the media.

“Workers can see that Albo has lost control and the country is being run by buffoon breakfast show hosts and talkback radio shock jocks.

“These gutless Labor politicians talk tough about affiliation fees and donations because that’s the only language they understand – money.

"The CFMEU is an industrial union, not a political outfit. Our strength has always come from our members on the shop floor, not from ladder-climbing politicians in the halls of power.

“The CFMEU is here to stay. This union is owned by the members, not media moguls or spineless politicians.”

2:15 pm July 17, 2024 Highlight

Australia well positioned no matter who wins US election: Rudd

Noah Yim

Australian ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd says Australia is positioned well regardless of whether the Democrats or the Republicans win the US presidential election in November.

Mr Rudd said he had been “assiduous” in working to get acquainted with likely key figures in a potential future Trump administration.

“Whoever is the administration, your first responsibility as ambassador is to get to know who could be in next time around,” Mr Rudd told Joe Hockey on Sky News. “Because – it’s a democracy, anything can happen here.

“So for the last year I've been in this job, we’ve been pretty assiduous at working through all the folks who are likely to move into key positions on foreign policy, on national security policy, on trade policy … the key advisors on domestic policy, and critically, on the economy and treasury.

“You’ve actually got to go up to Capitol Hill, track them down across the country, go visit them in their home cities, which I've spent a lot of time doing.

“And I think whatever the outcome on the 5th of November, I think it positions Australia well to handle either a re-elected Democratic administration, or – as the polls would indicate at present – an elected, or re-elected Donald Trump.”

Mr Rudd said he had been telling European counterparts to “chill” at the prospect of a repeat Trump White House.

“It’s really important to chill,” Mr Rudd said. “Just chill. The simple reason is, if President Trump is elected on 5th of November, we’re not going over some chasm. For us in Australia and for allies of the US, this is a perfectly navigable and manageable set of relationships over the next four years.

“And everyone needs to have that just as a discipline in their mind.

“If instead, you think, my god, this is beyond the pale and reach for your smelling salts. Well you know something? It’s going to cruel you from day one, that’s actually the wrong conclusion. So I say a lot to the Euros along these lines, chill Bill.”